KEY POINTS
- A suspect was arrested in KwaMashu while stripping a stolen VW Polo.
- Police found multiple stolen number plates linked to other vehicles.
- Crime statistics show an 18.3 percent decline in vehicle theft.
A stolen Volkswagen Polo was recovered in KwaMashu on Friday morning after a swift response by the Marshall Security Special Operations Team and Tracker SA.
Police caught the suspect red-handed while he was stripping the car behind a row of houses near Nyala Road.
Tyron Powell, the managing director of Marshall Security, confirmed that they launched the operation at 6 a.m. after receiving real-time intelligence from Tracker SA.
“Our team members responded immediately to the location provided and discovered the stolen vehicle hidden behind houses,” Powell said. “As we approached, we saw a suspect actively stripping the car. He was swiftly apprehended.”
Upon further investigation, officers found multiple number plates next to the vehicle, all linked to other stolen cars. The KwaMashu police responded to the scene and took the suspect into custody for processing and further investigation.
Police commend teamwork in vehicle recovery
Powell praised the collaborative effort between security agencies and law enforcement.
“We extend our gratitude to Tracker SA for their crucial intelligence and to SAPS KwaMashu for their rapid support.
This operation demonstrates our commitment to protecting the community and ensuring car theft suspects are held accountable,” he said.
KwaMashu police have since launched an investigation to determine whether the arrested suspect is part of a larger car theft syndicate.
According to IOL, the recovered vehicle will undergo forensic examination, and authorities are tracing the origins of the additional number plates found at the scene.
With car theft remaining a persistent crime in South Africa, security teams and tracking services continue to work closely with police to curb the trend.
Crime statistics show decline in car theft and hijackings
Recent crime statistics released by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu indicate a decline in motor vehicle theft across the country.
From October to December 2024, car theft cases dropped by 18.3 percent, with 7,791 incidents reported. Moreover, the Free State was the only province to record an increase in vehicle thefts.
Carjackings also showed a significant decrease, dropping by 19.5 percent, with 4,807 reported cases during the same period. All provinces registered declines in carjacking incidents.
Despite the progress, sedans, hatchbacks, and coupés remain the most targeted vehicles for hijackings, accounting for 2,339 reported cases. Bakkies and panel vans rank behind with 1,500 recorded incidents.
Authorities urge vehicle owners to track their vehicles actively through monitoring services that enhance stolen car recovery possibilities.
Security stakeholders in KwaMashu continue to demonstrate through this arrest that joint actions remain essential in fighting automobile related offenses.
